Apr.4 (GMM) While the big-hitters at Ferrari and McLaren floundered in Malaysia, Nico Hulkenberg had the first breakthrough of his young F1 career.

After struggling to keep up with his vastly experienced teammate Rubens Barrichello earlier this season, the 22-year-old reigning GP2 champion qualified an impressive fifth at slippery Sepang.

"Yes, he (Hulkenberg) did a good job," team co-owner and engineering director Patrick Head told the Times. "But it wasn't particularly a surprise that he did so.

"I would say it was more of a surprise that he didn't quite get it together in Bahrain and Melbourne," he added.

Barrichello, 37, warned the team not to get too carried away.

"I don't think we would have achieved P5 and P7 in a dry session," insisted the Brazilian.

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